Filed: Thursday, 2nd October 2003By: Graeme Howlett

On-loan striker Neil Mellor has been singled out for praise by temporary manager Trevor Brooking following his brace against Crystal Palace at the Boleyn last night.

Brooking, speaking after the game said:

"I was pleased for Neil, especially as he was going to get a rollicking for not squaring the ball to David [for the first goal]!

"Jermain and David get quite a lot of the headlines but we often play with three up front, and psychologically it was good for Neil. It was important because Jermain is suspended for the next two - so Neil can go into those on the up.

"Now he’s got an opportunity to add a few more to the list - and strikers like to see a few goals to their name."

Mellor, also speaking last night was equally delighted with his own performance.

He told whufc.com:

"It was pleasing to score the goals. In training it has been coming off, it is just in the games that it hasn't.

" I have got great belief in myself. Okay, I have had a barren run lately but I know I can score goals.

"I've had a lot of support from the other players and the management - and they have all stood by me, which is a nice confidence booster.

"I am not the sort of player that lets my head drop though. I battle through it even though it is a new experience after scoring nearly every game for Liverpool reserves."